If you want to buy in West Babylon

Stretching from the Great South Bay to north of the Southern State Parkway, West Babylon is a huge community, at 7.7 square miles, says Riina Friedrich, associate broker of Friedrich Real Estate in Babylon. It's also the town's most populous hamlet, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

"It offers what most people are looking for," adds Bob Meade, associate broker of Century 21 AA Realty in Lindenhurst, noting the hamlet is family oriented and affordable. Residents have access to recreation areas, shops, restaurants, major roadways and commuter trains. Commercial thoroughfares include those along Little East Neck Road and Montauk Highway -- home to  retailers such as Marshalls, Bed Bath & Beyond and Old Navy.

Many residents boast about the annual St. Anthony's Feast, which was held this past weekend. "It's well attended," Friedrich says. With Sixth to 13th streets closed, the event mirrors the Feast of San Gennaro in Manhattan's Little Italy, says Tom Lano, president of the West Babylon Lions Club, which hosts St. Anthony's with the help of local sponsors. Other events include a pancake breakfast. "Every penny goes back into the community," Lano adds.

Tree-lined neighborhoods offer a mix of architectural styles, including ranches, high-ranches, capes and Colonials. Waterfront communities include the Landings and Bergen Point.

Babylon Town's zoning board recently approved a proposal to build apartments on a short stretch of Muncie Road.

CO-OPS
22 listed between $109,999 and $189,000

SALES PRICES
From May 1, 2011, to June 1, 2012, there were 195 sales with a median price of $284,500, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $120,000 and the high was $575,000. From April 1, 2010, to April 30, 2011, there were 194 sales. The median price was $290,000, with a low of $99,900 and a high of $750,000.

ATTRACTIONS
Bergen Point Golf Club, a county park on the Great South Bay; Bergen Point Marina; fishing, crabbing; parks include the Anthony Sanchez Memorial Park and pool on Sawyer Avenue and Van Bourgondien Park on Albin Avenue.

BY THE NUMBERS

Town. Babylon.

ZIP code. 11704.

Population. 43,213.

Median age. 40.0.

Median household income. $83,087.

Median home value. $274,500.*

LIRR time to NYC. From Babylon, 53 minutes to 1 hour, 19 minutes at peak.

Monthly ticket.  $299.

School districts. Most students attend in the West Babylon district; in  North Babylon and Babylon. A few are in the Wyandanch district.

Sources. 2010 Census; www.mlsli.com; LIRR;

*Based on sales in the past six months, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island.